Warren Harrington

He was born on September 26, 1946 in Houlton, Maine, son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Cheney) Harrington. His family lived in various parts of the US, moving to Alma, Michigan prior to Warren’s senior year in high school. After graduating from Alma High School in 1965, Warren attended Northern Michigan University and graduated in 1970 with a business major. Warren was a natural athlete and participated in football, track and wrestling in high school and lettered in varsity track at NMU where he was affectionately called the Roadrunner.

On June 21, 1969 Warren married his college sweetheart, Lucia (Lucy) Latvala, in Republic, Michigan and they would have recently celebrated their 56th anniversary. He served his country from 1970-1972 in the US Army, specializing in electronic training, teaching radar repair and attaining the rank of Sergeant. Warren served in Korea; El Paso, Texas; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

After his military service, Warren utilized his business degree working as a District Sales Manager for Bombardier and Kawaski Corporations.

The desire to go into business locally led to Warren securing the Wendy’s Restaurant Franchise and establishing, co-owning and operating the Marquette Wendy’s from 1982-1986. This was followed by continued district and regional sales work for Echo, Arctic Cat and Polaris Incorporated. He traveled the US extensively with his work at this time and often included Lucy and his two children, Bob and Christy, in his travels. The family has many wonderful memories of travel adventures with dad.

Prior to retiring from corporate America, Warren built and ran the Big Bay Storage and established the Harrington Brothers Snowplowing and Landscaping Company which he operated in the Marquette area for many years. In retirement he went on to Sea Captain School in Florida, earned his Captain’s License and established H & H Boat Towing with his refurbished 1992 Boston Whaler named Tow Boat One. This boat was instrumental in helping with Marathon Key, Florida recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Over the years Warren was a member of Kiwanis, several snowmobile clubs, the American Water Ski Association, a Cub Scout Leader, and active with Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1976 as an elder, usher, greeter, and helper of youth activities.

Warren enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, motorcycling and simply being outdoors with nature. He was undaunted with his building projects, motor repairs, and refurbishing old boats and tractors. With the fun involvement of family and friends, Warren built the family camp, Gull’s Landing, on Lake Independence in Big Bay. It has been the place of many wonderful moments and memories. He also built their sauna in honor of Lucy’s Finnish roots. With all projects, he was a creative problem solver and hard worker. He willingly shared his time, talents, and laughter with others. Warren loved life, lived it to the fullest, traveled the US with Lucy and their Airstream trailer in later years, and always told many good stories. He loved his family, friends and canines.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents and youngest sister, Paula Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy; two children, Bob Harrington (Marathon, Florida) and Christy (Ricky) Guthman (Newburyport, Massachusetts); three grandchildren, Birch, August and Lilja Guthman; brother, James Harrington (Sally) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sisters, Vicki (Craig) Banton of Cumberland, Maine; Rita (Ron) Rivers of Auburn, Washington; brother-in-law, Carl Latvala of Republic, Michigan as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette, Michigan 49855; UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter) 815 S. State Highway, Gwinn, Michigan 49841; Mayo Clinic Asthma Research, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 in memory of Warren H. Harrington.

Family and friends may call at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette on Monday June 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Chad Ott officiating. Immediately following, a luncheon will be served in the church’s multipurpose room. Internment will take place at Marquette’s Park Cemetery. The family gratefully thanks the staff and family of Redeemer Lutheran Church; all prayer partners; the medical community in Marquette especially the former Dr. Tom Huffman, Nurse Marcie Snowaert, the former Dr. Art Saari and Staff, Dr. Katelyn Joyce and PA Kyle King along with the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minnesota for the many kindnesses, care and support provided to Warren and his family.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com